Systems and methods for time-based advertising

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, storing, in a database, information associated with a first item purchased by a user, the information comprising an identification of the first item and a time of purchase of the first item; receiving web browsing data based upon monitoring, by another device, web browsing of the user; determining, based upon the web browsing data that is received, whether the user is currently browsing at a shopping website, resulting in a determination; responsive to the determination being that the user is currently browsing at the shopping website, querying the database to determine an elapsed time since the time of purchase of the first item; responsive to the elapsed time meeting a threshold, generating a message to send to the another device monitoring the web browsing, the message informing the user of a suggested second item for the buyer to purchase, the suggested second item being a replacement for the first item; and sending the message to the another device for presentation to the user. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/863,453, filed Apr. 30, 2020, which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to systems and methods for time-basedadvertising.

BACKGROUND

Various conventional websites provide shopping suggestions based, forexample, upon past purchase history.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a communication network in accordance with various aspectsdescribed herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2A shows examples of a purchase ofone item (sometimes referred to herein instead as a product) at aphysical point-of-purchase and purchase of another item via a website).

FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2B shows an example of a suggestionto purchase an item that is compatible with another item).

FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2C shows an example of informationthat is provided to a user based upon a prior purchase by the user).

FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2D shows an example of informationthat is provided based upon one or more specifications of another item).

FIG. 2E is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2E shows an example of storinginformation regarding a user of a product that is purchased by a buyer,wherein the information is obtained in connection with a physicalpoint-of-purchase).

FIG. 2F is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2F shows an example of storinginformation regarding a user of a product that is purchased by a buyer,wherein the information is obtained in connection with a purchase via awebsite).

FIG. 2G is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2G shows an example of a suggestionto purchase a product based on a current age of a user).

FIG. 2H is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2H shows an example of storinginformation (such as planned usage location) regarding a product that ispurchased by a buyer, wherein the information is obtained in connectionwith a physical point-of-purchase).

FIG. 2I is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2I shows an example of storinginformation (such as planned usage location) regarding a product that ispurchased by a buyer, wherein the information is obtained in connectionwith a purchase via a website).

FIG. 2J is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2J shows an example of a suggestionto purchase a product as a replacement for a previously purchasedproduct).

FIG. 2K is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system (all or part of which can, for example, functionwithin the communication network of FIG. 1) in accordance with variousaspects described herein (this FIG. 2K shows an example of a suggestionto purchase an item as a replacement for a previously purchased item).

FIG. 2L depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2M depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2N depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2O depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2P depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2Q depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for providing shopping assistance (e.g., virtual shoppingassistance). Other embodiments are described in the subject disclosure.

As described herein, various embodiments provide mechanisms for a userto receive proactive assistance (e.g., proactive shopping assistance).In one example, proactive assistance can be provided to a user by avirtual assistant while the user is shopping online. In one specificexample, such a virtual assistant can comprise a computer program withartificial intelligence and/or machine leaning. In another specificexample, such a virtual assistant can monitor the user's web activityand provide to the user pertinent information using a parallelspeech-based communication session that complements the online screensession of the user.

As described herein, various embodiments provide mechanisms forprojecting a user's needs for products in the future based on one ormore past purchases and/or based on one or more other factors. In onespecific example, advertisements can be sent to the user accordingly.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communication network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communication network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part storage ofpersonal inventory data and/or provision of shopping suggestions asdescribed herein. In particular, a communications network 125 ispresented for providing broadband access 110 to a plurality of dataterminals 114 via access terminal 112, wireless access 120 to aplurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126 via base station oraccess point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality of telephony devices134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140 to a plurality ofaudio/video display devices 144 via media terminal 142. In addition,communication network 125 is coupled to one or more content sources 175of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media. While broadbandaccess 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 and media access 140are shown separately, one or more of these forms of access can becombined to provide multiple access services to a single client device(e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content via media terminal142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access via switching device132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

Referring now to FIG. 2A, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 2000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 2000 includeseCommerce Server 2008 (which is in operative bi-directionalcommunication with eCommerce Database 2008A). The eCommerce Server 2008is in operative bi-directional communication via the Internet 2002 withvarious other elements described herein. Further, system 2000 includesPersonal Inventory Server 2010 (which is in operative bi-directionalcommunication with Personal Inventory Database 2010A). The PersonalInventory Server 2010 is in operative bi-directional communication viathe Internet 2002 with various other elements described herein. Furtherstill, system 2000 includes Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004 (e.g., cashregister, credit/debit card reader, electronic wallet reader, etc.).Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004 is in operative bi-directionalcommunication via the Internet 2002 with various other elementsdescribed herein. In this example, the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004is used (in response to a buyer (not shown) purchasing a first item) toquery the buyer as to whether the buyer wishes to add the first item tothe buyer's personal inventory (stored in the Personal InventoryDatabase 2010A). This query can be presented to the buyer, for example,visually via a GUI display screen of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware2004, audibly via a speaker of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004, or acombination thereof. The buyer can respond to this query, for example,via a GUI display screen of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004, audiblyvia a microphone of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 2004, or acombination thereof. In another embodiment, the buyer can receive thequery via tablet, smartphone or the like while at the point-of-sale andthe buyer can response to the query via the tablet, smartphone or thelike. Further still, system 2000 includes User Computer 2006 (e.g.,desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). UserComputer 2006 is in operative bi-directional communication via theInternet 2002 with various other elements described herein. In thisexample, the User Computer 2006 is used (in response to a buyer (notshown) purchasing a second item via a website of a merchant) to querythe buyer (which may be the same buyer as mentioned above in connectionwith the purchase of the first item or which may be a different buyer)as to whether the buyer wishes to add the second item to the buyer'spersonal inventory (stored in the Personal Inventory Database 2010A).This query can be presented to the buyer, for example, visually via aGUI display screen of the User Computer 2006, audibly via a speaker ofthe User Computer 2006, or a combination thereof. The buyer can respondto this query, for example, via a GUI display screen of the UserComputer 2006, audibly via a microphone of the User Computer 2006, or acombination thereof. Further still, system 2000 includes Appliance(s)2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B, Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s) 2012D,Computer(s) 2012E, and any other similar device(s). These Appliance(s)2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B, Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s) 2012D,Computer(s) 2012E, and any other similar device(s) are in operativebi-directional communication via the Internet 2002 with various otherelements described herein. In one specific example, some or all of theseAppliance(s) 2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B, Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s)2012D, Computer(s) 2012E, and any other similar device(s) can beInternet-Of-Things (IOT) devices and can provide (such as upon beingqueried) their respective identification information (e.g.,manufacturer, model, serial number, specifications).

Referring now to FIG. 2B, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 2500 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 2500 includeseCommerce Server 2508 and eCommerce Database 2508A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 2008 and eCommerce Database 2008Aof FIG. 2A). Further, system 2500 includes Personal Inventory Server2510 and Personal Inventory Database 2510A (which can operate in amanner similar to Personal Inventory Server 2010 and Personal InventoryDatabase 2010A of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 2500 includesAppliance(s) 2512A, Vehicle(s) 2512B, Camera(s) 2512C, Television(s)2512D, Computer(s) 2512E, and any other similar device(s) (which canoperate in a manner similar to Appliance(s) 2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B,Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s) 2012D, Computer(s) 2012E, and any othersimilar device(s) of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 2500 includes UserComputer 2506 (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet,smartphone, etc.). This User Computer 2506 can operate in a mannersimilar to user Computer 2006 of FIG. 2A. In this example, the user (notshown) has utilized User Computer 2506 to navigate to a product salewebsite (shown as “WEB STORE”) and to browse a product (in this example,a particular “Security Camera Skin”). Further still, system 2500includes Virtual Assistant 2550. Virtual Assistant 2550 is in operativebi-directional communication via the Internet 2502 with various otherelements described herein. In this example, the Virtual Assistant 2550outputs a message to the user (responsive to the user browsing the“Security Camera Skin” as mentioned above) that the “Security CameraSkin” works with the security camera of the user's mother. The outputfrom the Virtual Assistant 2550 can be presented to the user, forexample, visually via a GUI display screen of the Virtual Assistant2550, audibly via a speaker of the Virtual Assistant 2550, or acombination thereof. In this example, the Virtual Assistant 2550 isshown as a stand-alone device (which interfaces with, for example, theeCommerce Server 2508 and/or the Personal Inventory Server 2510 toprovide the functionality described herein). In various examples, theVirtual Assistant 2550 can comprise hardware, software, firmware, or anycombination thereof. In another example, the Virtual Assistant 2550 canbe integrated into one or more other devices. In one specific example,the Virtual Assistant 2550 can be integrated into the User Computer2506.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 3000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 3000 includeseCommerce Server 3008 and eCommerce Database 3008A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 2008 and eCommerce Database 2008Aof FIG. 2A). Further, system 3000 includes Personal Inventory Server3010 and Personal Inventory Database 3010A (which can operate in amanner similar to Personal Inventory Server 2010 and Personal InventoryDatabase 2010A of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 3000 includesAppliance(s) 3012A, Vehicle(s) 3012B, Camera(s) 3012C, Television(s)3012D, Computer(s) 3012E, and any other similar device(s) (which canoperate in a manner similar to Appliance(s) 2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B,Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s) 2012D, Computer(s) 2012E, and any othersimilar device(s) of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 3000 includes UserComputer 3006 (e.g., desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet,smartphone, etc.). This User Computer 3006 can operate in a mannersimilar to User Computer 2006 of FIG. 2A. In this example, the user (notshown) has utilized User Computer 3006 to navigate to a product salewebsite (shown as “WEB STORE”) and to browse a product (in this example,a particular “Electric Toothbrush”). Further still, system 3000 includesVirtual Assistant 3050. This Virtual Assistant 3050 operates in a mannersimilar to Virtual Assistant 2550 of FIG. 2B. In this example, theVirtual Assistant 3050 outputs a message to the user (responsive to theuser browsing the “Electric Toothbrush” as mentioned above) that the“Electric Toothbrush” was purchased by the user last March for theuser's father. The output from the Virtual Assistant 3050 can bepresented to the user, for example, visually via a GUI display screen ofthe Virtual Assistant 3050, audibly via a speaker of the VirtualAssistant 3050, or a combination thereof. In this example, the VirtualAssistant 3050 is shown as a stand-alone device (which interfaces with,for example, the eCommerce Server 3008 and/or the Personal InventoryServer 3010 to provide the functionality described herein). In variousexamples, the Virtual Assistant 3050 can comprise hardware, software,firmware, or any combination thereof. In another example, the VirtualAssistant 3050 can be integrated into one or more other devices. In onespecific example, the Virtual Assistant 3050 can be integrated into theUser Computer 3006.

Referring now to FIG. 2D, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 3500 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 3500 includeseCommerce Server 3508 and eCommerce Database 3508A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 2008 and eCommerce Database 2008Aof FIG. 2A). Further, system 3500 includes Personal Inventory Server3510 and Personal Inventory Database 3510A (which can operate in amanner similar to Personal Inventory Server 2010 and Personal InventoryDatabase 2010A of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 3500 includesAppliance(s) 3512A, Vehicle(s) 3512B, Camera(s) 3512C, Television(s)3512D, Computer(s) 3512E, and any other similar device(s) (which canoperate in a manner similar to Appliance(s) 2012A, Vehicle(s) 2012B,Camera(s) 2012C, Television(s) 2012D, Computer(s) 2012E, and any othersimilar device(s) of FIG. 2A). Further still, system 3500 includes UserMobile Device 3506 (e.g., laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.).This User Mobile Device 3506 is in operative bi-directionalcommunication via the Internet 3502 with various other elementsdescribed herein. In this example, the User Mobile Device 3506 hasintegrated therein a Bar Code Scanner. Further, in this example, theUser Mobile Device 3506 has integrated therein a Virtual Assistant. Inthis example, this integrated Virtual Assistant is in operativebi-directional communication via the Internet 3502 (through User MobileDevice 3506) with various other elements described herein. In thisexample, this integrated Virtual Assistant can provide the functionalityof a virtual assistant as described herein. In this example shown inFIG. 2D, a user is at a physical store 3570. The user utilizes UserMobile Device 3506 to scan a bar code (in this example, a bar code of arefrigerator that the user is contemplating buying). In response to thescanning of the bar code, the Virtual Assistant informs the user thatthe refrigerator being considered for purchase will fit in the samespace as the current refrigerator of the user. The output from theVirtual Assistant can be presented to the user, for example, visuallyvia a GUI display screen of the User Mobile Device 3506, audibly via aspeaker of the User Mobile Device 3506, or a combination thereof. Inthis example, the Virtual Assistant is shown as integrated into the UserMobile Device 3506. In another example, the Virtual Assistant can be aseparate device. The Virtual Assistant can obtain information from, forexample, the eCommerce Server 3508 and/or the Personal Inventory Server3510 to make the fit/no-fit determination.

Referring now to FIG. 2E, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 4000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 4000 includeseCommerce Server 4008 (which is in operative bi-directionalcommunication with eCommerce Database 4008A). The eCommerce Server 4008is in operative bi-directional communication via the Internet 4002 withvarious other elements described herein. Further, system 4000 includesPoint-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004 (e.g., cash register, credit/debit cardreader, electronic wallet reader, etc.). Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004is in operative bi-directional communication via the Internet 4002 withvarious other elements described herein. In this example, thePoint-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004 is used (in response to a buyerpurchasing a first item) to query the buyer as to who the item is for.This query can be presented to the Buyer, for example, visually via aGUI display screen of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004, audibly via aspeaker of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004, or a combinationthereof. The Buyer can respond to this query, for example, visually viaa GUI display screen of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004, audibly viaa microphone of the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 4004, or a combinationthereof. In another embodiment, the Buyer can receive the query viatablet, smartphone or the like while at the point-of-sale and the Buyercan respond to the query via the tablet, smartphone or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 2F, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 4500 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 4500 includeseCommerce Server 4508 and eCommerce Database 4508A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4008 and eCommerce Database 4008Aof FIG. 2E). Further, system 4500 includes Buyer Computer 4506 (e.g.,desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). BuyerComputer 4506 is in operative bi-directional communication via theInternet 4502 with various other elements described herein. In thisexample, the Buyer Computer 4506 is used (in response to a Buyerpurchasing a first item) to query the Buyer as to who the item is for.This query can be presented to the Buyer, for example, visually via aGUI display screen of the Buyer Computer 4506, audibly via a speaker ofthe Buyer Computer 4506, or a combination thereof. The Buyer can respondto this query, for example, visually via a GUI display screen of theBuyer Computer 4506, audibly via a microphone of the Buyer Computer4506, or a combination thereof.

Referring now to FIG. 2G, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 5000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 5000 includeseCommerce Server 5008 and eCommerce Database 5008A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4008 and eCommerce Database 4008Aof FIG. 2E). Further, system 5000 includes Buyer Computer 5006 (whichcan operate in a manner similar to Buyer Computer 4506 of FIG. 2F). Inthis example, Buyer Computer 5006 is used to present to the Buyer a newrecommendation (e.g., a recommendation for a number of age-appropriateitems for Suzie Smith (for whom the Buyer had previously purchased ababy crib). This recommendation can be presented to the Buyer, forexample, visually via a GUI display screen of the Buyer Computer 5006,audibly via a speaker of the Buyer Computer 5006, or a combinationthereof. The Buyer can respond to this recommendation, for example, bymaking a purchase.

Referring now to FIG. 2H, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 5500 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 5500 includeseCommerce Server 5508 and eCommerce Database 5508A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4008 and eCommerce Database 4008Aof FIG. 2E). Further, system 5500 includes Point-Of-Purchase Hardware5504 (which can operate in a manner similar to Point-Of-PurchaseHardware 4004 of FIG. 2E). In this example, the Point-Of-PurchaseHardware 5504 is used (in response to a Buyer purchasing a first item)to query the Buyer as to what is the item for. This query can bepresented to the Buyer, for example, visually via a GUI display screenof the Point-Of-Purchase Hardware 5504, audibly via a speaker of thePoint-Of-Purchase Hardware 5504, or a combination thereof. The Buyer canrespond to this query, for example, via a GUI display screen of thePoint-Of-Purchase Hardware 5504, audibly via a microphone of thePoint-Of-Purchase Hardware 5504, or a combination thereof (see theresponse “My Deli”). In another embodiment, the Buyer can receive thequery via tablet, smartphone or the like while at the point-of-sale andthe Buyer can respond to the query via the tablet, smartphone or thelike.

Referring now to FIG. 2I, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 6000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 6000 includeseCommerce Server 6008 and eCommerce Database 6008A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4508 and eCommerce Database 4508Aof FIG. 2F). Further, system 6000 includes Buyer Computer 6006 (whichoperates in a manner similar to Buyer Computer 4506 of FIG. 2F). In thisexample, the Buyer Computer 6006 is used (in response to a Buyerpurchasing a first item) to query the Buyer as to what is the item for.This query can be presented to the Buyer, for example, visually via aGUI display screen of the Buyer Computer 6006, audibly via a speaker ofthe Buyer Computer 6006, or a combination thereof. The Buyer can respondto this query, for example, via a GUI display screen of the BuyerComputer 6006, audibly via a microphone of the Buyer Computer 6006, or acombination thereof (see the response “Home”).

Referring now to FIG. 2J, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 6500 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 6500 includeseCommerce Server 6508 and eCommerce Database 6508A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4508 and eCommerce Database 4508Aof FIG. 2F). Further, system 6500 includes Buyer Computer 6506 (whichcan operate in a manner similar to Buyer Computer 4506 of FIG. 2F). Inthis example, the Buyer Computer 6506 is used (in response to a buyerpurchasing a first item) to provide a suggestion to the buyer for areplacement item (in this example, a replacement water filter). Thissuggestion can be presented to the buyer, for example, visually via aGUI display screen of the Buyer Computer 6506, audibly via a speaker ofthe Buyer Computer 6506, or a combination thereof. The buyer can respondto this suggestion, for example, by making a purchase.

Referring now to FIG. 2K, this is a block diagram illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a system 7000 in accordance withvarious aspects described herein. In this example, system 7000 includeseCommerce Server 7008 and eCommerce Database 7008A (which can operate ina manner similar to eCommerce Server 4508 and eCommerce Database 4508Aof FIG. 2F). Further, system 7000 includes Buyer Computer 7006 (whichcan operate in a manner similar to Buyer Computer 4506 of FIG. 2F).Further still, system 7000 includes Personal Inventory Server 7010 andPersonal Inventory Database 7010A (which can operate in a manner similarto the personal inventory server and personal inventory database of oneor more of FIGS. 2A-2D). In this example, the Buyer Computer 7006 isused (in response to a buyer having purchased a first item — asreflected in the Personal Inventory Database 7010A) to provide asuggestion to the buyer for a replacement item (in this example, areplacement water filter). This suggestion can be presented to thebuyer, for example, visually via a GUI display screen of the BuyerComputer 7006, audibly via a speaker of the Buyer Computer 7006, or acombination thereof. The buyer can respond to this suggestion, forexample, by making a purchase.

Reference will now be made to various examples associated with use ofpersonal inventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments. Inone example, each user can have associated therewith a respectivepersonal inventory (e.g., Personal Inventory “A” associated with User“A”; Personal Inventory “B” associated with User “B”; Personal Inventory“C” associated with User “C”). Each personal inventory can be stored inone or more databases (see, e.g., Personal Inventory Database 2010A ofFIG. 2A). When a new item is added to a personal inventory (e.g., a newitem is added to Personal Inventory “A” associated with User “A”), theitem can be recorded in the respective personal inventory database alongwith identifying information (such as serial number, model number anddate of purchase). The addition of the item into the respective personalinventory database via such recording can be accomplished in a number ofways. In one example, the item can be added to the user's personalinventory responsive to the user entering the data manually (such as viaa graphical user interface (running on a computer of the user) inoperative communication with a personal inventory server (see, e.g.,Personal Inventory Server 2010 of FIG. 2A). In another example, the itemcan be added to the respective personal inventory responsive to a barcode scanner being used by the user (such as, for example, via asmartphone) to scan the item (based upon the bar code scan, a query canbe made of a product database (see, e.g., eCommerce Server 2008 andeCommerce Database 2008A of FIG. 2A) to retrieve item information, suchas serial number and model number; the retrieved item information canthen be added to the user's personal inventory. In another example, theitem can be added to the personal inventory responsive to a personalinventory server running an application that queries all items of theuser (see, e.g., elements 2012A, 2012B, 2012C, 2012D and 2012E of FIG.2A) that are connected via a network of the user (such as a home networkof the user and/or other network) to retrieve identifying information(that is, identifying information associated with the connected items)and store the results in the personal inventory database. Alternatively,or in addition, when a purchase is made, either online (see, e.g., UserComputer 2006 of FIG. 2A) or at a physical store point-of-purchase (see,e.g., Point-of-Purchase Hardware 2004 of FIG. 2A), the user can be asked(e.g., at checkout) if the user wants to add the purchased item to theirpersonal inventory. If so, the point-of-purchase (see, e.g.,Point-of-Purchase Hardware 2004 of FIG. 2A) or the eCommerce server(see, e.g., eCommerce Server 2008 of FIG. 2A) can send inventory data(and/or product specification data) for the item to the user's personalinventory (see, e.g., Personal Inventory Database 2010A of FIG. 2A). Inanother example, an item can be deleted from the personal inventory of auser (such as by the user via a GUI). Such an item can be deleted fromthe personal inventory of the user when, for example, the user no longerhas the item (e.g., the item is thrown away, given away, donated, lostor otherwise disposed of).

Still referring to various examples associated with use of personalinventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments, thepersonal inventory database (see, e.g., Personal Inventory Database2010A of FIG. 2A) can be accessible via a network (such as throughPersonal Inventory Server 2010 of FIG. 2A). In one specific example, thepersonal inventory can be stored in the database with identifyingentries such as shown in Table 1 below. As seen in Table 1, the fieldsof this example can include Serial Number, Model Number, Color, PurchaseDate, Bought By (used to identify the person who made the purchase ofthe item), Owner (used to identify a person who is the primary owner(and/or user) of the item), and Location (used to indicate where theitem is typically located). Further, non-electronic items and items thatdo not have network connectivity can also be stored in the personalinventory (entry of information associated with such items can be, forexample, via manual entry and/or bar code scanning).

TABLE 1 Purchase ITEM Serial No. Model No. Color Date Bought By OwnerLocation Automobile xyz 123 grey 21 Jan. 2019 JIM JIM HOME(Manufacturer - ABC) Refrigerator wju 345 white 23 Feb. 2016 MEG MEGLAKE (Manufacturer - HOUSE DEF) Camera gse 478 white 4 Mar. 2017 MEG MOMMOM'S (Manufacturer - HOUSE GHI) Smartphone dre 490 white 12 Mar. 2018JIM MEG HOME (Manufacturer - JKL) TV wtu 670 black 12 Dec. 2018 MEG MEGHOME (Manufacturer - MNO) Sofa ret 456 6783 24 Dec. 2017 MEG MEG HOMEFiling Cabinet dfg 765 tan 23 Sep. 2010 JIM JIM LAKE HOUSE Electric ghj345 white 17 Mar. 2015 JIM DAD DAD'S Toothbrush HOUSE

Still referring to various examples associated with use of personalinventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments, with thepersonal inventory in place for a given user (such as described above),a virtual assistant (see, e.g., Virtual Assistant 2550 of FIG. 2B,Virtual Assistant 3050 of FIG. 2C, or the Virtual Assistant integratedinto User Mobile Device 3506 of FIG. 2D) can now conduct communications(e.g., communications in parallel to an online shopping experience). Inone example, this is accomplished by the virtual assistant monitoringpage views which are made by the user (see, e.g., User Computer 2506 ofFIG. 2B, User Computer 3006 of FIG. 2C, User Mobile Device 3506 of FIG.2D) and comparing what is being viewed with information in the user'spersonal inventory (and/or with information in a product informationserver (see, e.g., the eCommerce Servers and eCommerce Databases ofFIGS. 2A-2D).

Still referring to various examples associated with use of personalinventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments, adiscussion will now be made of virtual assistant suggestions regardingproduct compatibility. In this example, a given user visits an onlinewebsite and navigates to a product page. The product presented on theproduct page is identified by the model number/serial number and/orother identifying information, which is sent to the virtual assistant.The virtual assistant (see, e.g., Virtual Assistant 2550 of FIG. 2B)then sends the product information to the personal inventory server(see, e.g., the Personal Inventory Server 2510 and Personal InventoryDatabase 2510A of FIG. 2B), which may also communicate with a productinformation server (see, e.g., the eCommerce Server 2508 and eCommerceDatabase 2508A of FIG. 2B) to determine product compatibility. Thepersonal inventory server compares data from the product page, thepersonal inventory database, and the product information server andreturns a response to the virtual assistant to announce (e.g., viavisual display and/or via audio output) compatibility information to theuser.

Still referring to various examples associated with use of personalinventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments, adiscussion will now be made of virtual assistant suggestions regarding aprior purchase. In this example, a given user visits an online websiteand navigates to a product page. The product presented on the productpage is identified by the model number/serial number and/or otheridentifying information, which is sent to the virtual assistant. Thevirtual assistant (see, e.g., Virtual Assistant 3050 of FIG. 2C) thensends the product information to the personal inventory server (see,e.g., the Personal Inventory Server 3010 and Personal Inventory Database3010A of FIG. 2C) to identify any related products. The personalinventory server compares data from the product page and the personalinventory database and returns a response to the virtual assistant toannounce (e.g., via visual display and/or via audio output) relatedinformation to the user.

Still referring to various examples associated with use of personalinventories according to aspects of one or more embodiments, adiscussion will now be made of virtual assistant suggestions in thecontext of an in-store shopping experience. In this example, a givenuser can use a bar code scanner app on the user's mobile device (see,e.g., User Mobile Device 3506 of FIG. 2D) to send the productinformation to the personal inventory server (see, e.g., the PersonalInventory Server 3510 and Personal Inventory Database 3510A of FIG. 2D).In this example, the user's mobile device can also operate as thevirtual assistant. In this example, the personal inventory server canretrieve and process data from the product information server (see,e.g., the eCommerce Server 3508 and eCommerce Database 3508A of FIG. 2D)regarding the dimensions of the product that was scanned (of course, thedimensions are a specific example, and any desired product data(specification(s), review(s), etc.) can be retrieved and processed). Thevirtual assistant can then (after receiving the return information fromthe personal inventory server) provide (e.g., via visual display and/orvia audio output) information and/or suggestions to the user.

Reference will now be made to various examples associated with use oftime-projected advertising according to aspects of one or moreembodiments. In this regard, it is noted that a purchase of a product ata point in time can be informative as to what product(s) might be neededlater in time. This can require tracking and forecasting the age of theproduct and/or the age of the person for whom the product was purchased.Such tracking and forecasting can be accomplished using variousembodiments described herein. In one example, when an advertisementand/or purchase recommendation is going to be made, an eCommerce oradvertising server (see, e.g., eCommerce Servers and eCommerce Databasesof FIGS. 2E-2K) can search past purchase history records (and/or apersonal inventory database such as described herein) to make atime-appropriate choice for presentation of the advertisement and/orrecommendation (e.g., make the specific advertisement and/orrecommendation appropriate in view of the current age (since purchase)of one or more previously purchased products and/or appropriate in viewof the current age of the purchaser and/or recipient (if the priorpurchased item was a gift or the like).

Still referring to various examples associated with time-projectedadvertising according to aspects of one or more embodiments, in oneexample a user may make a purchase online (see, e.g., Buyer Computer4506 of FIG. 2F) or at a physical point-of-purchase (see, e.g.,Point-of-Purchase Hardware 4004 of FIG. 2E). When the purchase is made,the user can be prompted (e.g., visually via a display, via audio suchas from a speaker, or a combination thereof) to indicate who thepurchase is for (the user can input such information, for example, via aGUI and/or via spoken input). If the purchase is for someone other thanthe purchaser, the purchaser can provide another name. Optionally, theproduct user's age or age range at the time of purchase can be provided(e.g., via a GUI and/or via spoken input) by the purchaser. If an age orage range is not provided, an eCommerce server (see, e.g., eCommerceServers and eCommerce Databases of FIGS. 2E-2K) could add an estimatedage (or estimated age range) for the product user based on the averageage (or average age range) of previous users of the product or a typicalage (or typical age range) of users of the type of product. For example,if Buyer A buys a baby crib to be used by Susie Smith, Susie Smith maybe estimated to be 0-6 months old. The product age at purchase is alsorecorded. If the product is new, the product can be recorded as such.Alternatively (or additionally), the date that the product was producedcan be recorded. This may be particularly helpful if, for instance, aproduct was sold as new but was produced some significant amount of timeprior. Likewise, a used product may have an estimated age that isrecorded.

In one specific example, the purchase history of the buyer can be storedin a database with identifying entries such as shown in Table 2 below.As seen in Table 2, the fields of this example can include the ProductUser, the Product ID, the Purchase Date of the product, the Product UserAge at purchase, and the Product Age at Purchase.

TABLE 2 Buyer A Purchase History Product Product Purchase Product UserAge Product Age User ID Date at Purchase at Purchase Susie xyz123 6 JAN.2019 0 yr 0 mo 0 yr 0 mo Smith

Still referring to the baby crib example above, Buyer “A” may want tomake a subsequent purchase for the same product user (in this case,Suzie Smith) at a date later in time, say one year later. An eCommerceserver (see, e.g., eCommerce Servers and eCommerce Databases of FIGS.2E-2K) can calculate an estimated current age for past product users forwhom Buyer “A” has previously shopped. In this example, (see Table 3,below—which is an extension of Table 2) Susie Smith is now estimated tobe 1 year old and recommendations and/or advertisements can be sent toBuyer A that are appropriate for that 1-year age.

TABLE 3 Buyer A Purchase History Product Product Estimated EstimatedProduct Product Purchase User Age Age at Product Product User ID Date atPurchase Purchase User Age Age Susie xyz123 6 Jan. 2019 0 yr 0 mo 0 yr 0mo 1 yr 0 mo 1 yr 0 mo Smith

In another example, and as another means by which to estimate agechanges of a product user, the product user can have a virtual assistantdevice (or other app) that monitors the product user's voice changes,vocabulary changes, and/or context changes to detect maturity changesover time and update estimated ages accordingly.

Still referring to various examples associated with time-projectedadvertising according to aspects of one or more embodiments, in anotherexample a buyer may purchase an item for themselves as the product user,but the buyer can provide a product tag to indicate how and/or where theproduct will be used (in this case, the age progression of the productis of more interest than the age progression of the product user). Table4 below shows an example of such a purchase history that can be stored.As seen in Table 4, the fields of this example can include the ProductTag, the Product ID, the Purchase Date, the Product User Age at Purchase(the data being “N/A” in this example), and the Product Age at Purchase.

TABLE 4 Buyer A Purchase History Product Product Purchase Product UserAge Product Age Tag ID Date at Purchase at Purchase Home 789abc  6 JAN.2019 N/A 0 yr 0 mo My Deli 567ghi 12 JAN. 2019 N/A 0 yr 0 mo

The data in Table 4 can be generated, for example, responsive to aretail Point-of-Purchase transaction (see, e.g., Point-of-PurchaseHardware 5504 of FIG. 2H) via which an in-store retail purchase of acommercial refrigerator for use in a deli is being made and/orresponsive to an online purchase (see, e.g., Buyer Computer 6006 of FIG.21) via which a purchase (at a website) of a water filter for home useis being made.

Still referring to the water filter example above, the eCommerce server(see, e.g., eCommerce Server 6508 and eCommerce Database 6508A of FIG.2J) may estimate that the water filter is now 2 months old and is duefor a replacement. The eCommerce server can recommend a product and/orprovide an advertisement to Buyer “A”. In one example, the providing ofthe recommendation and/or the advertisement can be accomplished whenBuyer “A” is actively shopping (e.g., actively browsing and/orpurchasing online). In another example, the providing of therecommendation and/or the advertisement can be accomplished via aprocess wherein the eCommerce server periodically (or continually)monitors estimated product ages that match (or exceed) recommended ortypical product replacement times and proactively sends an advertisementand/or a recommendation accordingly. In another example, the eCommerceserver can scan purchase histories from other past buyers and/orotherwise identify trends. For instance, the eCommerce server canidentify that buyers who buy SAT prep books typically buy GRE prep books4 years later. Table 5 below (which is an extension of Table 4) showsanother example of such a purchase history that can be stored. As seenin Table 5, the fields of this example can include the Product Tag, theProduct ID, the Purchase Date, the Product User Age at Purchase (thedata being “N/A” in this example), and the Product Age at Purchase. Inaddition, this Table 5 now includes Estimated Product User Age (the databeing “N/A” in this example, and Estimated Product Age.

TABLE 5 Buyer A Purchase History Product Product Estimated EstimatedProduct Product Purchase User Age Age at Product Product Tag ID Date atPurchase Purchase User Age Age Home 789abc 6 Jan. 2019 N/A 0 yr 0 mo N/A0 yr 2 mo

Still referring to various examples associated with time-projectedadvertising according to aspects of one or more embodiments, in anotherexample the eCommerce server (see, e.g., eCommerce Server 7008 andeCommerce Database 7008A of FIG. 2K) can more intelligently determine ifand how to send an advertisement and/or recommendation to the buyer(that is, the buyer who had previously purchased a particular item). Inone example, this is accomplished by ensuring, for instance, that thebuyer still has the previously-purchased item in their personalinventory (see, e.g., Personal Inventory Server 7010 and PersonalInventory Database 7010A of FIG. 2K). In one example, the eCommerceserver (and/or personal inventory server) can periodically (orcontinually) make a determination to send an advertisement and/orrecommendation to the buyer. This personal inventory of items can becreated, updated and utilized as described in detail herein. In onespecific example, prior to sending a recommendation and/or advertisementto the buyer (of the previously-purchased item), the eCommerce servercan query the buyer's personal inventory database (e.g., via thepersonal inventory server) to confirm, for instance, that the buyerstill owns the water filter—if not, the advertisement and/orrecommendation may not be sent.

In another example, the eCommerce server (and/or the personal inventoryserver) can periodically (or continually) synchronize past purchases todetermine which ones are still in use by the user and then use thisinformation to make predictions about how long product lifespans are.

Referring now to FIG. 2L, various steps of a method 8000 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2L, step 8002 comprisesstoring, in a personal inventory database, first identificationinformation associated with a first item purchased by a first user at afirst website of a first merchant the first identification informationbeing obtained electronically from one or more first servers thatprovide the first website. Next, step 8004 comprises storing, in thepersonal inventory database, second identification informationassociated with a second item purchased by the first user at a secondwebsite of a second merchant, the second merchant being a differentmerchant than the first merchant, and the second website being adifferent website than the first website, the second identificationinformation being obtained electronically from one or more secondservers that provide the second website, and each of the one or moresecond servers being a different server than each of the one or morefirst servers. Next, step 8006 comprises receiving first web browsingdata based upon monitoring first web browsing of the first user, themonitoring of the first web browsing being performed by another device.Next, step 8008 comprises determining, based upon the first web browsingdata and based upon the first identification information, a firstsuggested item for purchase by the first user. Next, step 8010 comprisestransmitting to the another device that performs the monitoring anidentification of the first suggested item to facilitate presentation ofthe identification of the first suggested item to the first user.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2L, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

In various examples, the monitoring the first web browsing can comprisemonitoring page views by the first user and the determining the firstsuggested item for purchase by the first user can be based upon arelationship (e.g., a relationship among a browsed item displayed on oneor more pages that are viewed by the first user during the first webbrowsing, the first item as identified by the first identificationinformation, and the first suggested item for purchase). In variousspecific (non-limiting) examples, a relationship can comprise: anassociated replacement part (e.g., a water filter for refrigerator); aconsumable entity (e.g., a coffee pod); an enhancement or augmentationdevice (e.g., an improved game or game controller); a completereplacement for the original entity (e.g., car tire); or any combinationthereof.

In various examples, a relationship can comprise a compatibility (e.g.,among the first item, the browsed item, and the first suggested item).In various specific (non-limiting) examples, a compatibility can bebased upon one or more of the following factors: similar size (e.g., XLshirt); same voltage (e.g., 12 volt DC sound system for use in yourrecreational vehicle); same or matching color; same or matching style(e.g., art deco, traditional); capacity (e.g., this carafe holds thesame amount of liquid as that coffeemaker); function (e.g., this voltagetester matches the batteries you often purchase); or any combinationthereof.

In other examples, a machine learning algorithm can be used fordetermining a relationship and/or a compatibility.

Referring now to FIG. 2M, various steps of a method 8100 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2M, step 8102 comprisesstoring, in a personal inventory database, first information associatedwith a first item that is owned by a buyer. Next, step 8104 comprisesreceiving web browsing data, the web browsing data being associated witha potential buyer, the potential buyer and the owner being differentpeople. Next, step 8106 comprises determining, based upon the webbrowsing data that is received, whether the potential buyer is currentlybrowsing at a shopping website, resulting in a determination. Next, step8108 comprises responsive to the determination being that the potentialbuyer is currently browsing at the shopping website, determining, basedupon the first information, first compatibility information associatedwith the first item, the first compatibility information identifying asecond item that is compatible for use with the first item. Next, step8110 comprises facilitating a presentation to the potential buyer of anidentification of the second item to purchase for the owner, thepresentation to the potential buyer being performed without presentingto the potential buyer an identification of the first item.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2M, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2N, various steps of a method 8200 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2N, step 8202 comprisesstoring by a processing system including a processor, in a personalinventory database, information associated with an item that is owned bya user, the information comprising an identification of the item. Next,step 8204 comprises receiving web browsing data based upon monitoring,by another processing system, web browsing of the owner. Next, step 8206comprises determining, based upon the web browsing data that isreceived, whether the owner is currently viewing a webpage at a shoppingwebsite, resulting in a determination. Next, step 8208 comprisesresponsive to the determination being that the owner is currentlyviewing the webpage at the shopping website, querying, by the processingsystem, a server that has access to product specifications by sending tothe server a query, the query including the identification of the itemthat is stored in the personal inventory database and the queryrequesting one or more specification details of the item. Next, step8210 comprises receiving by the processing system, from the server inresponse to the querying, a message indicating the one or morespecification details. Next, step 8212 comprises determining, by theprocessing system, a compatible item, the compatible item beingdetermined based on the one or more specification details indicated bythe message. Next, step 8214 comprises facilitating, by the processingsystem, a presentation by the another processing system to the owner,the presentation being while the owner is currently viewing the webpageat the shopping website, and the presentation comprising anotheridentification of the compatible item to purchase by the owner.

In various examples, determining whether someone is currently browsing(or shopping) at a shopping (or eCommerce) website can be based upon auniform resource locator (URL) of the shopping (or eCommerce) website.In other examples, determining whether someone is viewing a webpage at ashopping (or eCommerce) website can be based upon the URL of thewebpage. In other examples, the term currently browsing (or shopping orviewing or the like) can refer to actions that are happening inreal-time or almost real-time. In one specific example, currentlyperforming an action can be determined if the action was performedwithin a past time threshold (e.g., with in the past 10 seconds, withinthe past 30 seconds, within the past minute, within the past 10minutes).

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2N, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2O, various steps of a method 8300 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2O, step 8302 comprisesstoring, in a database, information associated with a first itempurchased by a user, the information comprising an identification of thefirst item and a time of purchase of the first item. Next, step 8304comprises receiving web browsing data based upon monitoring, by anotherdevice, web browsing of the user. Next, step 8306 comprises determining,based upon the web browsing data that is received, whether the user iscurrently browsing at a shopping website, resulting in a determination.Next, step 8308 comprises responsive to the determination being that theuser is currently browsing at the shopping website, querying thedatabase to determine an elapsed time since the time of purchase of thefirst item. Next, step 8310 comprises responsive to the elapsed timemeeting a threshold, generating a message to send to the another devicemonitoring the web browsing, the message informing the user of asuggested second item for the user to purchase, the suggested seconditem being a replacement for the first item. Next, step 8312 comprisessending the message to the another device for presentation to the user.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2O, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2P, various steps of a method 8400 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2P, step 8402 comprisesstoring, in a database, information associated with a first itempurchased by a buyer for a product user, the product user being adifferent person than the buyer, the information comprising a firstidentification of the first item, a time of purchase of the first item,a second identification of the product user, and an age of the productuser at the time of purchase of the first item. Next, step 8404comprises receiving web browsing data from a device being used by thebuyer, the web browsing data being based upon monitoring, by the device,web browsing of the buyer. Next, step 8406 comprises determining, basedupon the web browsing data that is received, whether the buyer iscurrently browsing at a shopping website, resulting in a determination.Next, step 8408 comprises responsive to the determination being that thebuyer is currently browsing at the shopping website, querying thedatabase to determine a current age of the product user. Next, step 8410comprises responsive to the current age of the product user meeting athreshold, determining a message to send to the device being used by thebuyer. Next, step 8412 comprises sending the message to the device beingused by the buyer, the message facilitating a presentation by the devicebeing used by the buyer to inform the buyer of a suggested second itemfor the buyer to purchase for the product user, the suggested seconditem being age-appropriate for the product user at the current age ofthe product user.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2P, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 2Q, various steps of a method 8500 according to anembodiment are shown. As seen in this FIG. 2Q, step 8502 comprisesstoring in a database, by a processing system including a processor,information associated with a first item purchased by a buyer for aproduct user, the information comprising a first identification of thefirst item, a time of purchase of the first item, a secondidentification of the product user, who is a different person than thebuyer, and an estimated age range of the product user at the time ofpurchase of the first item. Next, step 8504 comprises receiving, by theprocessing system, web browsing data from a device being used by thebuyer, the web browsing data being based upon monitoring, by the devicebeing used by the buyer, web browsing activity of the buyer. Next, step8506 comprises determining, based upon the web browsing data that isreceived, whether the buyer is currently viewing a webpage of a shoppingwebsite, resulting in a determination. Next, step 8508 comprisesresponsive to the determination being that the buyer is currentlyviewing the webpage of the shopping website, calculating, by theprocessing system, a current age range of the product user, the currentage range being calculated via a comparison of a current date with theestimated age range of the product user that is stored in the database.Next, step 8510 comprises responsive to the current age range of theproduct user meeting a threshold, determining by the processing system amessage to send to the device being used by the buyer. Next, step 8512comprises sending by the processing system the message to the devicebeing used by the buyer, the message informing the buyer of a suggestedsecond item for the buyer to purchase for the product user, thesuggested second item being age-appropriate for the product user at thecurrent age range of the product user.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2Q, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

In various embodiments, a personal inventory of a given person can havepublic and/or private aspects (e.g., one or more parts of the personalinventory can be kept hidden from other people, while one or more otherparts of the personal inventory can be available for viewing by theother people.

In various embodiments, public and/or private aspects of a personalinventory of a given person can be subject to opt-in and/or opt-out.

In various embodiments, one or more suggestions and/or recommendationsrelated to a purchase for a given user can be made to one or more otherpeople without revealing that given user's full personal inventory.

In various embodiments, one or more suggestions and/or recommendationsrelated to what not to purchase for a given user can be made to one ormore other people without revealing that given user's full personalinventory.

In one specific example, a given user's personal inventory can be hiddenfrom view by other users, wherein compatibility information based on thepersonal inventory of the given user can be shared with the other users.

In various embodiments, a given user's residence can be part of thatuser's personal inventory (e.g., number and/or size of rooms in ahome/apartment, dimensions, what appliances the user has).

In various embodiments, a suggestion and/or a recommendation can be madebased on a size of an existing appliance and a size of a potentialreplacement appliance.

In various embodiments, each individual purchase can be included or notincluded in a personal inventory (e.g., opt-in or opt-out) on apurchase-by-purchase basis.

In various embodiments, a virtual assistant can give knowledge on the go(e.g., as a user browses a web page).

In various embodiments, compatibility can be based on user feedback(from one or more users). Such user feedback can include reviews and/orexplicit compatibility information.

In various embodiments, purchases can be of services (instead of or inaddition to products).

In various embodiments, suggestions, recommendations and/oradvertisements can be directed to services (instead of or in addition toproducts).

In various embodiments, compatibility (between products) can be learned.In one specific example, compatibility can be learned by machinelearning (ML), such as based on other user purchases and/or based onspecification data. In another specific example, compatibility can belearned by artificial intelligence (AI), such as based on other userpurchases and/or based on specification data.

In various embodiments, compatibility can be determined frommanufacturer information (e.g., specific compatibility informationand/or specification data). In one specific example, the manufacturerinformation can come from a manufacturer website.

In various embodiments, one or more Internet-Of-Things (IOT) devices canbe used to create a personal inventory (e.g., be included in thepersonal inventory).

In various embodiments, a personal inventory system can keep out one ormore e-commerce systems.

In various embodiments, a personal inventory for a given user can beacross retailers (e.g., across e-retailers).

In various embodiments, one person can select a particular personalinventory (e.g., a particular personal inventory of another particularperson) from among a plurality of personal inventories of a plurality ofpeople to use for generating one or more recommendations or the like.

Referring now to FIG. 3, a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100 presented in FIG. 1, some or all of the subsystems andfunctions of the systems presented in FIGS. 2A-2K, and some or all ofthe methods presented in FIGS. 2L-2Q. For example, virtualizedcommunication network 300 can facilitate in whole or in part storage ofpersonal inventory data and/or provision of shopping suggestions asdescribed herein.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1), suchas an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part storage of personal inventory data and/orprovision of shopping suggestions as described herein.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4, the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5, an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part storage of personal inventory data and/or provisionof shopping suggestions as described herein. In one or more embodiments,the mobile network platform 510 can generate and receive signalstransmitted and received by base stations or access points such as basestation or access point 122. Generally, mobile network platform 510 cancomprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways, interfaces, servers, ordisparate platforms, that facilitate both packet-switched (PS) (e.g.,internet protocol (IP), frame relay, asynchronous transfer mode (ATM))and circuit-switched (CS) traffic (e.g., voice and data), as well ascontrol generation for networked wireless telecommunication. As anon-limiting example, mobile network platform 510 can be included intelecommunications carrier networks, and can be considered carrier-sidecomponents as discussed elsewhere herein. Mobile network platform 510comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which can interface CS traffic receivedfrom legacy networks like telephony network(s) 540 (e.g., publicswitched telephone network (PSTN), or public land mobile network (PLMN))or a signaling system #7 (SS7) network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 canauthorize and authenticate traffic (e.g., voice) arising from suchnetworks. Additionally, CS gateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, orroaming, data generated through SS7 network 560; for instance, mobilitydata stored in a visited location register (VLR), which can reside inmemory 530. Moreover, CS gateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based trafficand signaling and PS gateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTSnetwork, CS gateway node(s) 512 can be realized at least in part ingateway GPRS support node(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated thatfunctionality and specific operation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PSgateway node(s) 518, and serving node(s) 516, is provided and dictatedby radio technology(ies) utilized by mobile network platform 510 fortelecommunication over a radio access network 520 with other devices,such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5, and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6, an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part storage ofpersonal inventory data and/or provision of shopping suggestions asdescribed herein.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

In other examples, location services can be implemented via WiFisignals, Bluetooth signals (standard and/or Low-Energy versions), and/orother localized radio beacons to replace or supplement GPS locationinformation (in particular, GPS often does not provide useful locationinformation inside buildings, especially multi-story buildings, so theseother signals can be used to provide more precise information usingdatabases of stored locations). In still other examples, new 5G radiosystems operating at the higher frequencies designated for 5G will alsobe able to provide more precise supplementary location information andcan be utilized in this regard.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically storing personal inventory data and/or provision ofshopping suggestions as described herein) can employ various AI-basedschemes for carrying out various embodiments thereof. Moreover, theclassifier can be employed to determine a ranking or priority of eachshopping suggestion. A classifier is a function that maps an inputattribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . , xn), to a confidence thatthe input belongs to a class, that is, f(x)=confidence (class). Suchclassification can employ a probabilistic and/or statistical-basedanalysis (e.g., factoring into the analysis utilities and costs) todetermine or infer an action that a user desires to be automaticallyperformed. A support vector machine (SVM) is an example of a classifierthat can be employed. The SVM operates by finding a hypersurface in thespace of possible inputs, which the hypersurface attempts to split thetriggering criteria from the non-triggering events. Intuitively, thismakes the classification correct for testing data that is near, but notidentical to training data. Other directed and undirected modelclassification approaches comprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesiannetworks, decision trees, neural networks, fuzzy logic models, andprobabilistic classification models providing different patterns ofindependence can be employed. Classification as used herein also isinclusive of statistical regression that is utilized to develop modelsof priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a processing systemincluding a processor; and a memory that stores executable instructionsthat, when executed by the processing system, facilitate performance ofoperations, the operations comprising: monitoring web browsing of amobile device associated with a user; determining from the web browsingthat the user is browsing a shopping website associated with a firstitem; querying a database to determine an elapsed time since a purchaseof the first item; responsive to the elapsed time exceeding a threshold,generating a message indicating to purchase a second item as replacementfor the first item; and transmitting, over a communication network, themessage to a virtual assistant associated with the user, wherein thevirtual assistant comprises a stand-alone device including a speaker,wherein the virtual assistant is separate from the mobile device,wherein the virtual assistant provides the message over the speaker. 2.The device of claim 1, wherein the first item has a predetermined usefullife, and wherein the message is generated based upon the predetermineduseful life and the elapsed time in order to provide notification to theuser of the second item as the replacement for the first item at an endof the predetermined useful life of the first item.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the monitoring of the web browsing comprises monitoringthe web browsing periodically.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein time ofpurchase of the first item is stored as a calendar day.
 5. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the elapsed time is determined as a number of days, anumber of weeks, or a number of years.
 6. The device of claim 1, whereinthe message comprises an advertisement, a recommendation, or acombination thereof.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the virtualassistant comprises a graphical user interface GUI, wherein the GUIpresents the message.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the operationscomprise determining that the second item fits in a space associatedwith the second item according to dimensions of space associated withthe second item.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the message indicatesthat the second item fits in the space associated with the second item.10. A non-transitory, machine-readable medium comprising executableinstructions that, when executed by a processing system including aprocessor, facilitate performance of operations, the operationscomprising: monitoring web browsing of a mobile device associated with auser; determining from the web browsing that the user is browsing ashopping website associated with a first item; determining an elapsedtime since a purchase of the first item; responsive to the elapsed timeexceeding a threshold, generating a message indicating to purchase asecond item as replacement for the first item; and transmitting, over acommunication network, the message to a virtual assistant associatedwith the user, wherein the virtual assistant comprises a stand-alonedevice including a speaker, wherein the virtual assistant is separatefrom the mobile device, wherein the virtual assistant provides themessage over the speaker.
 11. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 10, wherein the first item has a predetermined usefullife, and wherein the message is generated based upon the predetermineduseful life and the elapsed time in order to provide notification to theuser of the second item as the replacement for the first item at an endof the predetermined useful life of the first item.
 12. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein themonitoring of the web browsing comprises monitoring the web browsingperiodically.
 13. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim10, wherein time of purchase of the first item is stored as a calendarday.
 14. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10,wherein the elapsed time is determined as a number of days, a number ofweeks, or a number of years.
 15. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 10, wherein the message comprises an advertisement, arecommendation, or a combination thereof.
 16. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the virtual assistantcomprises a graphical user interface GUI, wherein the GUI presents themessage.
 17. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 10,wherein the operations comprise determining that the second item fits ina space associated with the second item according to dimensions of spaceassociated with the second item.
 18. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 17, wherein the message indicates thatthe second item fits in the space associated with the second item.
 19. Amethod, comprising: monitoring, by a processing system including aprocessor, web browsing of a mobile device associated with a user;determining, by the processing system, from the web browsing that theuser is browsing a shopping website associated with a first item;querying, by the processing system, a database to determine an elapsedtime since a purchase of the first item; responsive, by the processingsystem, to the elapsed time exceeding a threshold, generating a messageindicating to purchase a second item as replacement for the first item;and transmitting, by the processing system, over a communicationnetwork, the message to a virtual assistant associated with the user,wherein the virtual assistant comprises a stand-alone device including aspeaker, wherein the virtual assistant is separate from the mobiledevice, wherein the virtual assistant provides the message over thespeaker.
 20. The method of claim 19, comprising wherein the first itemhas a predetermined useful life, and wherein the message is generatedbased upon the predetermined useful life and the elapsed time in orderto provide notification to the user of the second item as thereplacement for the first item at an end of the predetermined usefullife of the first item.